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The Fender Rhodes Documentary

Started by Ben Bove, October 11, 2011, 10:16:22 PM

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andi85

Haha, right, I noticed that, too!

Anyway, a wonderful film, I watched mine last night and was very impressed. It demonstrates nicely why the Rhodes had that impact on the music scene and why people still love it today.

Thanks to all who contributed to that great project!
Tuning instruments makes the band sound thin!

Loukas

DVD Just came today.Just saw it.
I don't think it could easily been better!
Awesome! Fantastic! A total Rhodes dope !
A BIG thanks for all this effort Ben and Gerald !
Really can not still go out of my mind .

T H A N K S !!!!!!

Silver top 1966
Mark II suitcase 1980

Ben Bove

Thanks again to everyone for their support!

We have launched a webisode series on our YouTube channel, covering additional bonus material that was not used in the film.  Feel free to subscribe to be up to date on when the next ones will be released!

http://www.youtube.com/user/FenderRhodesStory
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Abraham

Great! thank you! a pleasure to watch
196x Hammond L100
1976 Rhodes MKI '73 Suitcase
1976 Wurlitzer 200-A EP
1981 Casio VL-Tone (Yeah!)
199x Kawai CX-21D Upright
20xx Clavia Nord Electro 2

Tim Hodges

After seeing the Deodato and Bob James clips on Youtube (thanks for the link Ben!) I've finally made my overdue donation. I'm really looking forward to it!!

Tim
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Ben Bove

Just updating - we've uploaded webisodes for:

Ray Manzarek (The Doors, etc.)
http://allmusic.com/artist/ray-manzarek-p19144/credits

Ronnie Foster (George Benson, Stevie Wonder, etc.)
http://allmusic.com/artist/ronnie-foster-p6519/credits

Subscribe to the YouTube channel, thanks!
Fender Rhodes Story
http://www.youtube.com/user/FenderRhodesStory?ob=0
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Ben Bove

Congrats to Chick, Stanley, and Lenny for their recent Grammy wins!  We've updated the webisodes for:

Lenny White
http://youtu.be/TgtwH2OPTGk

Stanley Clarke
http://youtu.be/5RvP_PHBZHg

Chick Corea
http://youtu.be/la_WWT1-1ng


Thanks again for the support!
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mirko

Hello bjammers,

I sent you email about that DVD, but I didn't get response...oh well, maybe it ended up in your "spam" folder ..

Anyway, I am from Serbia, and we don't have paypal here ... is there any other way I can pay , because I am really interested in watching that movie.
I watched youtube excerpts, and alone that was GREAT !

Thanks for making that movie !


Loukas

Dear Ben ,
Who is playing the backround theme with Rhodes on the first chapter of the DVD when Harold speaks about the material that  would take from the airplanes to make a piano out if it ect. ? Very inspiring !
Silver top 1966
Mark II suitcase 1980

Ben Bove

I scored the film myself, the opening is a piece I composed on a Silver Top (so you probably like it that much better!).  I figured for the earliest history of the Rhodes I should use the earliest model I had, and a pre-piano wouldn't have worked all that well.

Thanks!

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Loukas

Yeahhhh! i could hear that sharp finishing line notes in the end ! I had repeat them on my silver top before you clarify it and sound exactly the same! Very nice piece though! Thanks for put it in the film !
Silver top 1966
Mark II suitcase 1980

Ben Bove

Just mentioning an addition of Dave Grusin and Don Grusin to the webisode list on the YouTube channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/FenderRhodesStory


Dave Grusin's Allmusic profile:  http://allmusic.com/artist/dave-grusin-p67644

Don Grusin's Allmusic profile:  http://allmusic.com/artist/don-grusin-p10704
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Cormac Long

Ben,
   this thing just keeps giving!.. 2 fantastic webisodes
Regards,
   Cormac

Forum Administrator
admin@ep-forum.com

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Xk3smith

Donated and looking forward to viewing the documentary.  Thanks for doing a project like this.  The Rhodes means so much to me.

hammondrye


Stoof

Donated, and watched 3/4 of the documentary, very good job, it's a great pleasure for all Fender Rhodes fans !!

TheGreatGreyHeron

Hello, just donated and wanted to say how much I appreciate your time and effort making this.  I really can't wait to see the finished product.  Thank you!

Nitrofunk

Very nice! Thanks for the DVD!
Peter
Fender Rhodes Stage 73 ('76) - Boss GE-7 - Small Stone - Boss MD500 - Boss RV-6 - Roland Cube 60 (vintage)
Fender Rhodes Suitcase 88 ('74)
Wurlitzer 200a
Minimoog
Arp Odyssey
Prophet 10

pcmancini

Got mine yesterday and watched about 3/4 of it.  I had to keep stopping and buying music in iTunes, then rewinding back to where I left off.  Have not been this excited about a DVD in a long time.  Great work and what a testament to the instrument with all these great musicians.  I wonder if there is another instrument that would compare?  Maybe the B3 or the Moog, maybe the Gibson Les Paul or Fender Strat?

Well done and thanks so much!
Paul
Paul
1975 Mark 1

The Real MC

Any recommendations for the quintessential Ronnie Foster?

Tim Hodges

I had a sick day from work and the documentary was exactly what I needed. Thanks Ben for such a well presented documentary I'm so envious you got to meet that many artists (Les Mccann made my laugh especially)

By the way impressive playing on your first track, I didn't realise that was you until afterwards!
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Ben Bove

Much appreciated thanks very much!

Les was such a character at the interview, but also really inspiring - with some physical limitations he still was willing to come out and be a part of it.  So I know that says a lot about how important the Rhodes was to him as well.
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vortmaxx

Just watched it and have to say that this is easily the best $10 I have ever spent. I will enjoy this for years to come. Superb job, all the way. Thanks!

Ben Bove

Hey all, just letting you know the webisodes for Herbie Hancock and Marcus Miller are added to the YouTube channel.

Subscribe and thanks for the continued support!

http://www.youtube.com/user/FenderRhodesStory?feature=watch
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Rhythmicons

#75
Well, I ordered mine without hesitation.

My only regret is that I didn't know about this a long time ago!

Great webisodes thusfar!

Eric
"Music Is my mistress and she plays second fiddle to nobody" -E.K. Ellington

http://www.youtube.com/user/Rhythmicons

Rhythmicons

I got it and I really appreciated the work put into this.

Anyone else practicing writing with their other hand yet?

Thanks, and wheres the soundtrack?

Im going to buy one for my father.

Eric
"Music Is my mistress and she plays second fiddle to nobody" -E.K. Ellington

http://www.youtube.com/user/Rhythmicons

goldphinga

So... is the Rhodes that Herbie plays in the doc, THE Rhodes from Headhunters, Thrust etc??

The Real MC

Some of the artists are not playing their personal Rhodes.

goldphinga

Yeah, seems that way. All the mk 5s needed a good setup- chicks and novellos. Chicks actual mk5 is a beauty. But I was wondering as herbie was at home whether that was his personal Rhodes.

Ben Bove

The Rhodes in that interview was one of my own, I made sure to bring a similar era 88 suitcase to what everyone would expect to see.  In most instances, I brought pianos to the interviews for a couple reasons - one, I didn't want to put them out and ask them to drag their own Rhodes out of their studio or storage, and two - who knows what kind of condition it would be in when I got there. 

On a few of the shoots where we were on location and I needed a rental or "whatever was there," you wouldn't believe the fast overhauling I had to do before.  I mean, serious overhauling.  So my fear was at least valid and tried to avoid it as much as possible
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Ben Bove

I wanted to make an announcement - with the very slow delivery of the US Postal service to international donors, we decided to make an MP4 version of the film available for download.  The USPS is the only way to affordably deliver the DVD internationally, but it sadly can take upto a month to get there.  The MP4 version has been created with high quality audio and video resolution.

We're still offering the DVDs for those that prefer the physical copy, but for the quick digital delivery it's available at www.FenderRhodesStory.com

If you haven't subscribed to the youtube channel, we've added George Benson and John Novello to the bonus webisodes:
http://www.youtube.com/user/FenderRhodesStory

Thanks again to everyone for the continued support of our efforts, and for sharing and spreading the word. 
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Dote

Hi Ben,

just wanted to tell you that I watched the documentary again after some time and I really enjoyed it. Thanks to you and your team for the effort. This documentary really is great to watch for a Rhodes afficionado and music lover.

Can you tell a bit more about your Rhodes collection? And which Rhodes in the film was from your stock or from the artist?

Oh and btw: would love to see a Wurlitzer Documentary :-)

Seriously thanks again and all the best,

Dominik

kenrichsoundservices

As we've told you before Ben, we LOVE the documentary!

It's great to see your webisodes on YouTube. I'm going to share them on our Facebook page. Spreading the word!
info@kenrichsounds.com
shop@kenrichsounds.com

kenrichsoundservices

Do you have a preferred frequency or order you want the Webisodes posted Ben?

Take a look here - https://www.facebook.com/KenRichSoundServices

We're nearly up to 18,000 likes worldwide so hopefully we can make a difference for you!
info@kenrichsounds.com
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Ben Bove

Thanks very much Ken!  You've got a lot of likes from a lot of skills for sure!  My 88 suitcase MIDI Rhodes you did is fantastic.
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VintageGearFreak

#86
Ordered the digital download now. Looking forward to seeing it!

Edit: Just finished watching it..! Spectacular documentary, loved it! Well produced, good sound quality and amazing artists!
--Mike

Ben Bove

Hi all!  Thanks as always for the support, wanted to let you know additional webisodes are up!

Fender Rhodes Story YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/FenderRhodesStory?feature=CAQQwRs%3D


John Novello
http://www.keysnovello.com/

George Benson
http://georgebenson.com/

Lalah Hathaway
http://lalahhathaway.com/

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Ben Bove

#88
The often requested Donald Fagen webisode is now available on the YouTube channel with a very funny story. 

Again, we appreciate sharing these videos on your facebook page or sharing them with friends, to continue building a community by bringing keyboard players and fans together through the Fender Rhodes.  The sharing link is: 

Donald Fagen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp-gpk-dUxE

Thanks again for all your continued support, and enjoy!
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Pierdo

Hi all, I joined ep forum only a few months and I realized just now this wonderful opportunity of DVD on the history of the Fender Rhodes, that wonderful idea!

Payment sent, I ordered the DVD version, will wait confidently (and drooling ..) to receive the material.

My compliments to the authors of the project, you are great people.  :D

Greetings from Rome
Pierdomenico.

sorry for the English a bit inaccurate .. '^ ^

apple_scruff

Donated.... and excited to watch it when it arrives! Thanks!
1969 Wurlitzer 200

Electric Guitars:
2012 Gibson Midtown
2004 Squire '51
1978 Fender Stratocaster
1966 Fender Coronado I
1950's Framus Archtop
1950's Hofner Golden
1937 Epiphone Electar M

Acoustics Guitars:
2012 Taylor 814-ce-LTD
1981 Alhambra 8c
1966 Hofner 491e

Ukuleles and Others:
2006 Kelii Uke
1966 Jose Ramirez no.2 Bandurria
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Ben Bove

Thanks again for your support, wanted to mention those that haven't subscribed, there have been new YouTube webisodes since last posting:

Robin Lumley, Brand X
http://youtu.be/LY3A8ToJMYE

Greg Phillinganes
http://youtu.be/9D5Z_G8-K8I

Quincy Jones
http://youtu.be/pmh-H6Z2JC0

Allee Willis, Songwriter EW&F
http://youtu.be/EfStFDvZhI4
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sledge-mk1

Just donated/ordered mine.. Yesss..

apple_scruff

Just arrived in the mail and looking forward to watching it this weekend!
1969 Wurlitzer 200

Electric Guitars:
2012 Gibson Midtown
2004 Squire '51
1978 Fender Stratocaster
1966 Fender Coronado I
1950's Framus Archtop
1950's Hofner Golden
1937 Epiphone Electar M

Acoustics Guitars:
2012 Taylor 814-ce-LTD
1981 Alhambra 8c
1966 Hofner 491e

Ukuleles and Others:
2006 Kelii Uke
1966 Jose Ramirez no.2 Bandurria
1950's Martin Uke
c1900 Bowl Back Mandolin

Ben Bove

Thanks again for all your comments, Earth Wind & Fire fans will enjoy Larry Dunn's webisode posted below.  Appreciate your shares and support!

http://youtu.be/eA2vEUh325E
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Abraham

This Rhodes sounds AWESOME, I wish mine sounded like this, betcha!
196x Hammond L100
1976 Rhodes MKI '73 Suitcase
1976 Wurlitzer 200-A EP
1981 Casio VL-Tone (Yeah!)
199x Kawai CX-21D Upright
20xx Clavia Nord Electro 2

Abraham

Hey Ben would you please share with us, how did you record the rhodes on this take?

I mean its obviously NOT recorded trough the same mic as larry's speech, and it really doesn't sound to me like a suitcase speaker output, also there is that little spring reverb added... I got this compared to my suitcase and it could never sound like this without further processing. I really enjoyed the sound so I will appreciate some hints on getting THAT sound from mine,

thank you!
196x Hammond L100
1976 Rhodes MKI '73 Suitcase
1976 Wurlitzer 200-A EP
1981 Casio VL-Tone (Yeah!)
199x Kawai CX-21D Upright
20xx Clavia Nord Electro 2

Ben Bove

Hey Abraham!  It started with a really well set up piano obviously, but on the 5-pin Rhodes I have a little more overtone adjusted in to the tonebar setting.  So they're a little closer to center on the pickups which helps bring out more of a mid-range sound that I feel is missing on the EQ curve of the 5-pin preamps.

It was recorded direct out, from the suitcase amp.  This helped eliminate room noise or other "clicks" and "pops" that would show up on a microphone.

With the direct signal, some plate reverb was added for that vintage sound.  Lastly, a little more EQ was added for that missing mid-high range.  But the secret really is just to take a lot of time on each note and really set up the piano well.
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Ben Bove

Just wanted to list webisodes that we put up since last posting:

Jay Graydon
http://youtu.be/vgvv5UFcimg

Ramsey Lewis
http://youtu.be/_PmzWh1N5Us

Maurice White
http://youtu.be/WeAejlzuFMQ

Steve Molitz
http://youtu.be/QhOXmpJq9Ms

Ellis Hall
http://youtu.be/noXKqVtiGzc

Appreciate any opportunity to share them on Facebook or other social nets to spread to word.  Thanks again for your support!
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Piano&Drums

Just downloaded and saw it. Awesome job!  :)
Mark II Stage 73